What Is The Difference Between Gabapentin Rx And Otc Gaba

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I want to know the difference between GABAPENTIN a RX and OTC GABA?

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1

Hello, Pamela! How are you?

There are two completely different substances.

The FDA classifies Gabapentin as an anticonvulsant that can also help with certain types of nerve pain and some mood disorders. It requires a doctor's prescription and may cause side effects, such as nausea, dizziness, dry mouth, mood swings and weight gain. A sudden withdrawal may also create the risk of seizures.

The Gaba that you see available over the counter, however, is just a nutritional supplement. The full name for it is actually Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid. It is just an amino acid.

Is there anything else I can help with?

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2

I think I have convinced myself that it helps me to a nice calmness in the evening! My husband takes RX for $$$ and I have used the OTC thinking they might be related. So, the calmness must come from watching TV or reading this web site! Thanks.

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3

Are their known benefits such as calming from otc gaba or magnesium?my husband took gaba for neuropathy - no improvement noted!

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4

My husband tried GABA for neuropathy and restless leg. No help but the rx does help with both.

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5

I am looking for an alternative to gabapentin/lyrica that doesn't require a prescription.

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6

OTC Gaba has helped me for many years, but you need to take the TwinLabs brand which has other supplements which help gaba cross the blood-brain barrier. Definitely give it a try for a week or two.

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7

I was prescribed gabapentin for nightmares (PTSD driven) which worked for a few months but now seems to be backfiring -- I began having sever paralysis dreams, bought on by the gabapentin, so I stopped taking it. My wife bought some OTC alteril for sleep, which contains GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric-Acid), and I'm wondering if it has any chance of giving the same problem for me concerning the nightmares.

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8

Can I take GAZA and Gabapentin? Taking Gabapentin for shingles pain.

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9

Dr. Will no longer rx soma for muscle spasms along with narcotic pain meds. This combo has worked well for me for years and is needed to function! Anyway, tried me on baclofen which does help my spasms, but also makes me nauseated, headachy, restless yet sleepy and seems to have some interaction with Zoloft taken for depression. Anybody have any advice?

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10

My daughters counselor recommended she take gaba for anxiety so u may not be mistaken when u say it helps keep u calm!

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11

Hello ANNETTE (# 8) -- I would suggest you speak to your doctor about getting a Shingles shot. The Shingles shot may still help you from getting another attack even though you already have had a shingles outbreak. Also, the FDA just approved a second new shingles vaccine Oct '17 which is manufactured by GSK called Shingrix which is considered to be superior to the older vaccine called Zostavax manufactured by Merck. The Merch Zostavax is available now, but GSK Shingrix vaccine which many doctors are not aware of yet has not come to market yet, but according to GSK it should be available soon. In either case you will want to check with your insurer to see if they will cover the older version which cost approximately $225 if you do not have insurance coverage or the new version Shingrix from GSK, no price information available at this time, once it is available, if not you may be able to find a discount coupon. If you are Medicare beneficiary Medicare Part A (hospital) or Part B (doctors visit, etc) does not cover the cost of the Shingles vaccine, but if you have a Medicare Part D (prescription drug plan) it probably will be covered, but make sure first before you commit to it. I know how painful Shingles can be so I hope this information helps you.

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12

Re: Shirley (# 9) Expand Referenced Message

Find a new doc. Educate yourself so that you can educate the Dr, if need be. Remember, it is your quality of life that is affected, not theirs. I have discovered that armed with the scientific literature that backs up my request for certain medicines I have much greater success. I refuse to allow an ignorant doctor use me as a guinea pig and destroy my quality of life.

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13

The FDA classifies Gabapentin as an anticonvulsant that can also help with certain types of nerve pain and some mood disorders. TWO people I know said Gabapentin made them feel absolutely suicidal.

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